Texas Rangers Blog

Rangers sit Moreland, play Borbon against left-handed Erik Bedard

ARLINGTON – The Rangers are facing their second left-hander in the first four games of the season tonight when they open a three-game series with Seattle. That means a return to the opening day lineup.

That includes Mike Napoli at first for Mitch Moreland, but the more interesting decision is the return of Julio Borbon to center against LHP Erik Bedard. David Murphy, considered the better offensive option against left-handed pitching, is sitting for the second straight game against a lefty.

Borbon played on opening day against Boston LHP Jon Lester and was 0-for-1. He grounded back to the pitcher and also was hit by a pitch. Last year, Borbon hit .247 with a .297 OBP against left-handed pitching in 93 at-bats. The outfield playing time essentially became a platoon situation with Murphy facing lefties. Murphy hit .272 with a .328 OBP last year in 114 at-bats.